Stanford’s spirit creates inviting environment

Stanford University's Palm Drive Entrance

Stanford University is commonly known for its outstanding engineering, medical and science programs. Though this may give the prestigious school the image of having an intense learning atmosphere, other aspects of the university also contribute to its individuality.

David Wang, who graduated last year, originally decided to attend Stanford due to its reputation for having a vast variety of resources offered to students. That, and the fact that Stanford is home to the nation’s best football player, quarterback Andrew Luck.

Stanford’s resources have assisted many aspiring entrepreneurs. Examples of start-up businesses from Stanford include Meebo, Posterous and Google.

Stanford’s students are also self-motivated to uphold an academic integrity code. In return for this honest behavior, instructors are not present during a test.

“Literally, professors aren’t allowed to be in the same room as the test-takers. And although I’ve never heard of anyone doing this, you’re also allowed to leave the testing room and take the test somewhere else if you want to,” said Wang.

Additionally, there is also a strong bond between students who live in the same dorm.

“Before class assemblies everyone would be up on their feet, doing their respective dorm cheers and trying to be the loudest in the auditorium,” he said.

Each dorm also creates its own identity and traditions. According to Wang, one such tradition in his dorm is to throw people into the shower at midnight on their birthday.

“Our freshman dorms have almost a Hogwarts-like amount of house pride. We have dorm T-shirts, dorm flags and really awesome dorm chants,” he said.

These factors make Stanford the “dream college” for many students, including Wang.

“If you view college as a life experience instead of an academic experience, [Stanford] stands out. It will give you the freedom to chase truly whatever dream you want to pursue, and its opportunities are so vast you will always find your niche, no matter how unconventional your interests are,” Wang said.